Water Main Repair - Boise, Idaho

 Boise Valley Plumbing located in Boise, Idaho can help you with any water main problems. The water to your home comes from a water main that is connected to the city water system. 

After the water passes through the city valves,  it comes to what is known as the main shutoff valve in your home. This is the valve that you need to be able to locate in an emergency. Find it before an emergency occurs so, when you’re in a pinch, you know where it is. This valve is usually in the basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house. The main shutoff valve allows a full flow of water through the pipe when it’s open. Turning off this valve (by turning it clockwise) cuts off the water supply to the entire house.
The main shutoff valve in your house probably has one of two designs:

• Gate valve: Gate valves are very reliable and last for years, but they become difficult to turn after not being turned for years. If you haven’t closed the main shutoff valve since you moved into your house, do it now. Better to find out that you can’t turn it with your bare hands now than to wait until you’re standing in 6 inches of water.
• Ball valve: Houses with plastic or copper main water pipes leading into the house may have a full-flow ball valve. This valve is open when the handle is aligned with the pipe. To close it, turn the handle clockwise 1/4 turn so that it’s at a right angle to the pipe.

The main valve is the one to stop most plumbing catastrophes, such as a burst pipe. Make sure that everyone in the household knows where this valve is located and knows how to turn it off. Turning the handle clockwise closes the valve. You need to turn the handle several turns to fully close a gate valve. 
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Valve Replacement:
If there is a spike in your water bill there may be a problem with the shutoff valve.  This is easy to check.  Just shut off the valve and see if water still leaks through. 

Although replacing the water main fixture may seem like a small repair, it involves undoing a coupling on the house side and replacing an oil-impregnated leather sealing washer, which is only available at a plumber supply. You will need to buy a threaded replacement ball valve.  Then it would be time to check the outside valve.  

Also, the electrical system “bonding jumper” that runs from a clamp on the house side of the meter to a clamp on the street side may need to be disconnected. 

Hiring a  plumber will save you time and money.  Having access to the proper tools and parts, the repair will be done properly. 

If the valve on the outside of the house is involved, repairs involve coordinating with the city to adjust the water flow.  Plumbers have a working relationship with the appropriate city departments. 

A leaking water service can make for a costly water bill, and if left alone may cause damage to your yard or even your homes foundation.

If the increase in your water usage does not come from a faulty meter, it's likely that there is a leak in the buried water pipe between the meter and your house, in a pipe under your house, or under a cement slab.
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Ways to check your water mains:

• Plan ahead because it can be inconvenient, then turn off all water. Make sure no water is being used inside or outside the house including icemakers, and automatic backflow cleaning in house water filters.
• Look at the flow indicator on the water meter at the street.  The meter can detect even small amounts of water flow.  If the indicator is moving, there is a leak in the house or yard.  You may need to write down the numbers on the meter and then check back in and hour and write down any change, if there is not a flow indicator on your meter. If you have trouble determining how to read your water meter, measure out a gallon of water in a bucket or pitcher, and note the changes on the dial.
• A master plumber can quickly check the water main and shutoff valve, usually for the price of a service call.  If any leaks are found, we  can give you an accurate estimate with reasonable prices.  We know these type of plumbing repairs can be expensive and stressful, but we have the best non-invasive equipment that can keep damage and repairs to a minimum.  We will do everything to help you with the process, explaining each step along the way.​

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Call Now For A Free Consultation & Estimate (208)639-0784

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